2017 ALA Girls Nation Times

Leadership Lessons for Life

Since 1947, American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation has provided aspiring young women leaders firsthand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works. Two participants per state, known as “senators,” are chosen to represent their respective ALA Girls State programs.

A week is spent creating a mock legislature, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, holding a national convention, and electing officials such as president and vice president. Special field trips include visits to the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, monument tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with state senators and representatives. While the event may happen once in a lifetime, the memories made last a lifetime!

ALA Girls Nation PledgeFor God and Country, I promise to give unselfish and constructive cooperation, to share with others the benefits of my experience as a senator of ALA Girls Nation, to participate in the government of my country, state and nation upon reaching my majority, and above all, to constantly exemplify the highest type of Americanism.

Guest Speakers

The week of government training also features appearances by guest speakers. In a special appearance, Holocaust survivor Nesse Godin, now in her 80s, meets with the girls and talks about being imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp at age 13. Then, at age 17, when the war finally ended, she was liberated from captivity, eventually being reunited with her mother, learning of her father’s demise, then setting about rebuilding their lives.

From this unimaginable tragic history, Godin leaves the girls with a lasting, life-shaping lesson - that hope rises above even the most horrifying experience in life.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has recognized ALA Girls Nation by placing it on the National Advisory List of Contests and Activities.

"ALA Girls Nation was one of the most powerful, formative leadership development experiences of my teenage years. Working together with other young women leaders on prospective legislation sparked in me a keen interest in patriotism."

ALA Girls Nation: Lessons in Leadership That Last a Lifetime

ALA Girls Nation Video

Enjoy sights and sounds from the Memorial Amphitheater today as the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of our military. In this clip, Dubbie Buckler, Executive Director of the American Legion Auxiliary and Roshanda Blue, Girls Nation Senator, gave us their thoughts on being a part of the patriotic service at Arlington National Cemetery.